United hoping to keep AFCON-bound stars till key fixture | OneFootball

Manchester United’s campaign could derail in December given the number of players set to be absent during the busy period.

Benjamin Sesko has already been ruled out for a month due to a knee injury, while Harry Maguire also remains sidelined.

The Red Devils will also lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui due to their AFCON commitments with their respective national teams.

Interestingly, competition rules suggest players must be released by their clubs at least two weeks before their opening games. Morocco play on December 21, while Ivory Coast and Cameroon begin their campaign on December 24.

AFCON departures

That suggests United’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 8 is likely to be the last time all three are available for selection this year.

However, Ruben Amorim, during his press conference ahead of the Everton tie, had suggested that the club are in talks to try and keep hold of the trio till longer.

“We have the rules for when we have to release the players, but we are trying to have the players a bit longer. It is not just in our hands. We will try to arrange something with the federations.”

And now, The Daily Mail have revealed that INEOS are in talks with the three national federations and are trying to keep hold of their stars till the Bournemouth game on December 15.

Bournemouth plans

“Manchester United will accelerate discussions over the Africa Cup of Nations release dates for Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui following Monday’s defeat by Everton.

“They were three of United’s better performers in an abject display against Everton’s 10 men, and could miss up to eight Premier League games and the third round of the FA Cup if Cameroon, Ivory Coast or hosts Morocco reach the final on January 18.

“It is understood that United didn’t begin talks until late in the international break last week, but are keen to keep all three players for the home game against Bournemouth – a fixture they have lost 3-0 in each of the last two seasons – on December 15.

Amorim needs all the help he can get

“United will seek assistance from the three national federations after Everton exposed the lack of depth in Ruben Amorim’s squad.”

It makes sense for the 20-time English league champions to keep all three for the game against the Cherries, given their poor recent record.

United need to get their act together again following Monday’s humiliating defeat to Everton, and Amorim will need all hands on deck.

Two seasons ago, Andre Onana’s departure had been delayed, and United are trying to repeat the same trick. Amad and Mbeumo’s departures will heavily impact United as the duo have been the rare shining lights this campaign.

Feature image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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